NJ Transit Engineers Union Update on Strike Negotiations

Union's Stance on Negotiations

• 🤝 The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) is awaiting scheduled negotiations on Sunday, expressing willingness to return to the table if NJ Transit offers a counter-proposal.
• ⚠️ The union states they believed a deal was imminent but NJ Transit "pulled the rug out from underneath us."
• ⏳ They highlight a significant pay gap, noting that the contract offer would provide wages from three years ago, to be implemented two years from now, creating a 5-year disparity.

Financial Discrepancies and Affordability

• 💰 Union leadership questions NJ Transit's claim of inability to afford raises, pointing to recent expenditures on boats, building renovations, and parking.
• ⚖️ They argue that a small wage increase for 460 engineers cannot cause bankruptcy, suggesting larger financial issues exist.
• 📍 A comparison is drawn to PATH and Amtrak employees at Penn Station, who earn up to 20% more per hour, indicating a regional pay standard is being missed.

Contract Status and Strike Duration

• 🗓️ The union is prepared for an indefinite strike until negotiations resume and a tentative agreement is reached.
• 🚂 Service would resume quickly if a tentative agreement is made, though NJ Transit would determine the exact restart time.
• ✊ The membership is united, and the union has support from other unions who recognize their fight as a precursor to future struggles.

Engineer Compensation and Comparisons

• 📊 Union calculations show the average locomotive engineer makes around $110,000-$113,000 annually, not the higher figure NJ Transit presents, which they claim only reflects the highest earners.
• 📅 Many engineers work seven days a week with no days off, requiring fair compensation for their dedication.
• 🚆 Regarding the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) contract, the union is concerned about its prolonged mediation, noting LIRR engineers are also in a similar situation.

Union's Concessions and Public Support

• 🤝 The union offered concessions on health and welfare changes and work rules to help the company save money, suggesting the governor may not have been fully informed.
• 🎯 They are seeking a fair contract and to be treated comparably to their peers, not necessarily to match the highest regional salaries.
• ❤️ The union expresses gratitude for public support and apologizes to commuters for the inconvenience, emphasizing that this action was a last resort after years of contract negotiations.
• 🗣️ James Lewis, BLET Vice President, stated the union is seeking a fair contract and that their members are prepared for the ongoing disruption.